Rondo expects to return before All-Star break; may still play in Portland

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) watches the action from the bench during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Nov. 20, 2013.

By The Sports Xchange, Special to the BDN

Posted Jan. 10, 2014, at 5:36 p.m.

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo does not know exactly when he will make his 2013-2014 debut, but he said Friday it will be before the All-Star break.

“It may be this month (or) next month,” Rondo said during the Celtics’ morning shootaround before Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. “It’ll be before All-Star break.”

The Celtics’ final game before the All-Star Game is Feb. 12 against the San Antonio Spurs in Boston.

Rondo, who tore his right ACL last January and underwent surgery in February, did not give a specific date for his possible return.

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“It’s just a feeling,” he said, according to MassLive.com. “I’ll probably just wake up that morning and play.”

Rondo said he feels “10 times better” and “more confident, stronger, more explosive” than he did when he was cleared to begin full-contact activities last month.

“In practice, when we have done 5-on-5 and he’s been able to compete in that, he has really, really done well,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens, according to MassLive.com. “And part of that is because not only does he have a feel for where he should be, he just gets everybody else in the right spots.”

There were reports Rondo might play some games with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Developmental League in Portland before he returns to action for the Celtics.